James Garner Charlton

James Garner Charlton entered heaven on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Jim was the second son of Kathryn and William Charlton. He was born in Brownsville, PA on October 27, 1937. He was the loving husband of Sally, who preceded him in death in 2013, and father of four sons, Jim, who unexpectedly went to heaven in 2001, David and wife Patti who live in Austin, Texas, Jeffrey and wife Jamie, who lives in Washington and Matthew and wife Julie who live in Naperville, IL. He had nine grandchildren, Jessica, Elizabeth, Travis, Megan, Zachary, Ryan, Jacob, Savannah and Alyssa Charlton. He also adored his six great-grandchildren. His brothers, William preceded him in death in 1968 and John Wade of Belle Vernon, PA in 2014. One brother, Richard Charlton of Monongahela, PA survives.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 in 1955. He really subscribed to the saying, “once a Marine, always a Marine.“ He and Sally were high school sweethearts and were married 54 years, before she preceded him in death.  Jim was a devoted husband and a truly unselfish family man, always putting his wife and family before himself. He had unconditional love for and pride in his sons. He was involved in all their sports when they were young. He either coached or umpired baseball for 22 straight years. He was a great role model for his sons and was so proud of the fine men they became.

Jim worked at WABCO for 16 years. He was later employed at Republic Electric Development Co., retiring in 2001.  Shortly thereafter he began working part time in the Building Maintenance Department at Illinois Central College. He retired from ICC in May, 2012.

Jim was an active member of the Heartland Emmaus Community. In 1995 Jim went on the Walk to Emmaus and it changed his life.  It was there that he truly came to understand the magnitude of God’s love and his life became one of service to others. He had been a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church since 1966 and served on many ministry teams. He was instrumental in the planning and development of the memorial garden and the columbarium. He belonged to two small groups at Crossroads. He was a valet parker, usher and a faithful driver of the church buses. Jim was a true Disciple of Jesus.

Jim was a member of the same Wednesday night bowling team for over 40 years. He was a member of Hilton Masonic Lodge #1143.  Over the past five years, Jim has been very active pursuing his love of golf joining a couple different golfing groups and making new friends.  In 2012 Jim and Sally purchased a Honda Goldwing motorcycle trike and spent many hours riding to many places, some short trips and many long ones.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 North Main Street, Washington on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm.  Pastor Jason Woolever will conduct the service. A time of gathering with family and friends will be held immediately after the service at the church.  Cremation has been accorded. Inurnment of ashes will be in the church columbarium. Memorials may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church.  Mason-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences can be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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